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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Feb 1928

Vol. 22 No. 5

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - THE BETTING ACT.

Mr. P.W. SHAW

asked the Minister for Finance whether he has granted any licence under Section 24 (1) of the Betting Act, 1926, to set up, maintain and work a totalisator, and, if he has not granted any such licence, whether he has come to a decision as to what body is suitable to be so licensed.

Mr. BLYTHE

No licence has as yet been granted under sub-section (1) of Section 24 of the Betting Act, 1926, to set up, maintain and work a totalisator. No decision will be come to as to the body to be so licensed until the Committee which I appointed to examine, inter alia, the results that might be expected to follow the introduction of the totalisator on Irish race-courses has made its report. I understand that the report will be presented at an early date, and I can assure the Deputy that the decision as to the body to be licensed will be announced at the earliest opportunity. It is fully recognised that the matter is urgent in view of the near approach of the flat racing season.

Mr. SHAW

asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the serious position of racing in the Free State and the fact that a large number of race company executives are awaiting his decision as to the abolition of entertainment and betting tax on race-courses before applying for fixtures, he is now in a position to state his intentions on the subject.

Mr. BLYTHE

It has not been possible up to the present to come to a decision as to the abolition or modification of the entertainments duty or the betting duty on race-courses.

The Committee which I appointed to inquire into and report on the present condition of Irish racing, with particular reference to the effect thereon of the entertainments duty and the betting duty, has been busily engaged on the examination of a large mass of evidence, both oral and written, which has been submitted by bodies and individuals interested in racing. I understand that the labours of the Committee are nearing completion and that I may expect their report about the middle of March. Once the report has been received, there will be as little delay as possible in announcing the Government's decision with reference to the entertainments duty and the betting duty.

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